List of games with significant regional differences
This list attempts to document regional changes that are significant.
Several games that were originally released for the FDS would later get released on cartridge for the NES outside of Japan.
The 3-D Battles of World Runner
The FDS version features enhanced FDS audio.
Blades of Steel
The FDS version is significantly cut down compared to the NES version.
Bubble Bobble
The NES version replaces the save file menu with a password menu. The FDS version features a red tint on the graphics while the NES version does not.
Double Dribble
The NES version includes additional graphics and music not included in the FDS version. The FDS version features enhanced FDS audio.
Castlevania
The NES version removes the save file menu.
Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest
The NES version replaces the save file menu with a password menu. The FDS version features enhanced FDS audio.
Ice Climber
The FDS version is based on the Vs. System version.
Jackal
The NES version features expanded content and features compared to the FDS version.
The Legend of Zelda
The FDS version features enhanced FDS audio.
Metroid
The NES version replaces the save file menu with a password menu. The FDS version features enhanced FDS audio.
Super Mario Bros. 2
Originally released for the FDS as Yume Koujou: Doki Doki Panic. The NES version removes the save file menu.
Mystery Quest
The NES version is significantly cut down compared to the FDS version.
Wrecking Crew
The FDS version allows saving and loading custom level data without the need for the Family BASIC Data Recorder.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Several graphical and gameplay differences between the FDS and NES versions. The FDS version features enhanced FDS audio.
Many games that were released in both NTSC and PAL regions are only trivially different, with the primary difference being slower action in the PAL version.
Air Fortress
PAL optimisation
Batman
music speed (not pitch)
Battletoads
the two-player bug with the Clinger Winger level is fixed in the PAL version
Battletoads & Double Dragon
gameplay speed
Blaster Master
there are more bugs in the PAL version
California Games
music differs at title screen
Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest
music speed and pitch
Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse
music speed and pitch
Dr. Mario
full PAL optimisation
Dragon’s Lair
gameplay speed
DuckTales
gameplay speed
The Guardian Legend
gameplay speed
Kirby’s Adventure
speed adjustment
The Legend of Zelda
intro scrolling speed
Little Samson
gameplay speed
Mario & Yoshi (PAL) / Yoshi (NA)
full PAL optimisation
Mega Man
music speed and pitch
Mega Man 2
music speed and pitch
Mega Man 3
music speed and pitch
Mega Man 4
music speed and pitch
Mega Man 5
music speed and pitch
Rainbow Islands: Bubble Bobble 2 (PAL) / Rainbow Islands (NA)
completely different ports
Rygar
gameplay speed
Solomon’s Key 2 (PAL) / Fire ’n Ice (NA)
gameplay speed
StarTropics
gameplay speed
Super Mario Bros.
gameplay speed, music speed and pitch
Tetris
full PAL optimisation
Tetris 2
full PAL optimisation
Wario’s Woods
full PAL optimisation
Yoshi’s Cookie
full PAL optimisation
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
vertical movement speed
- Official games with PAL-adjusted code (forum thread)
- Category:Games_with_regional_differences on The Cutting Room Floor